ABC for Me: ABC The World Me: Let's take a journey around the world from A to Z!, by Christiane Engel

Pack your bags and grab your passport. You're about to embark on a fun trip. The closest site to my home in Alaska was the Yukon, so I started there and meandered about the globe taking it all in. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip just as much as a child, the real target audience, might, but did notice a few lovely touches I wanted to mention. Not only are different races showcases, but a wheelchair character keeps popping up. Lovely illustrations, both simple and detailed, if that makes any sense, to give one a feel for what they might encounter at the sites.

The former teacher in me can't help but note that not only do they illustrations provide a nice overview of each site but offer teaching opportunities, too. Those could be as simple as identifying colors used, finding various items in the pictures, or leading a discussion on why the clothing/buildings/structures are not all the same, among others. Art project? Have the children use construction paper to construct the various alphabet letters as they are shown in the photos and let them create their own take on the scenes. I'm sure you can come up with many other ideas. Although the text given might be more advanced than the child it is used for, it seemed easily adaptable to age. For now, I'm going back for a return visit. Yes, this big kid was enchanted by this book. I'd recommend it to parents and teachers everywhere, not to mention it'd make a wonderful gift for "big kids" who want to travel without leaving their homes. There's even a nice map at the end.

Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup – #WalterFoster for inviting me along on this fun, and, oh, so enchanting journey. It made my day.

50 Years of Iditarod Adventures, by Lew Freedman

                                              Cover art by Jon Van Zyle

50 Years of Iditarod Adventures: The First Fifty Years of the Last Great Race: Freedman, Lew: 9798409923990: Amazon.com: Books

Having moderated a couple Iditarod related online groups in the past, I can attest to the fact that author Lew Freedman has managed to answer most of the FAQs that pop up, well, frequently. It will be a handy, easy to read resource for fans. Lots of list of who ran/won/placed/won awards and more. Freedman has also taken a look at some of the memorable characters of the sled dog race, including families who have become a part of race lore, the Redington, Mackey and Seavey families. Lots of photos, too, including I should probably admit, one of my own, and maps. If you're a race fan, you need this book. Kudos to Freedman for putting together his love and extensive knowledge of the sport together in such a readable, usable fashion.

Murder Most Grave (Granny Reid #4), by G.A. McKevett

Small town. Check. Cute (mostly) kids. Check. Dog. Check. Hunky sheriff. Check. Good friends. Check. Murder. Check. Er, make that double check. Double murder. And I wasn't sure who did it until the end, so this one keeps you guessing. It also was fun to visit an ol' favorite's, ie the Savannah Reid series, and see what Savannah and the rest of her siblings were like as children. I have a real soft spot for Waycross, I have to admit.

In any case, while the murder is the focus, we get to see the younger version of Grannie, aka, Stella Reid, and her relationship with the sheriff, Manny, develop. Although all her thought of him in the story sometimes seemed a bit much, the use led to a dramatic ending. I've also got to mention that having grown up in the South, albeit Florida, not Georgia, I felt myself falling right into the rhythm the use of so many Southern colloquialisms conjured up. Heck, I found myself jotting down several as I read simply because, "I swear on my mama's best pecan pie", they delighted me so. In fact, Manny sums up Stella and Savannah nicely at one point with, "You Reid gals are full of sass and vinegar". Is it any wonder Stella gets all "twitterpated" at times when she's around him?

Bottom line, an easy, fun read. Set in the 1980's, seemingly during the Bush-Dukakis presidential campaign, it's a fun trip back in time with delightful characters one will wish they could spend some time with. Thank you #NetGalley and #KensigntonBooks for inviting me to time travel back into McGill, GA, and enjoy their company. 

The Diva Says Cheesecake! (A Domestic Diva Mystery, #15), by Krista Davis

If you like cheesecake, you'll not only thoroughly enjoy this book but get hungry while reading it. Let's just say lots of food and cheesecake involved. This is the 15th in the Domestic Diva series and although I had read some of the earlier books, I wondered if new readers would grasp what was going on with the letters to Sophie and Natasha seeking advice that started each chapter. It was fun, of course, to see how they blended into the story but that wasn't evident at the beginning. Other than that nitpick, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

A seemingly well liked restaurant owner has been found dead. Initially, it appears it may have been as the result of an accident. Sophie, on hand when the body was discovered, had doubts, however. It isn't long before she is busy asking questions and gathering clues. She has the help of her loyal circle of friends and always seems to be dishing up a yummy meal or snack for them as the discuss their own hunches and findings. There are several suspects and so many twists and red herrings that it can almost make you shake your head in an attempt to shake everything into place. I liked how her friends pulled together to solve the crime, at times even rescuing Sophie from danger. I also liked how well Sophie was able to keep her cool when finally confronting the killer, using only her wits to escape.

The contrast between Sophie and Natasha provides some humor, with Sophie seeming to have more common sense. But, wait, what do any of those seemingly innocuous letters seeking advice have to do with the murder? Who is that tall woman both the murder victim and friend who is soon targeted as the chief suspect, were seen talking with? Fish fraud? Huh? Will Spence ever have a relationship with his biological father? How does Coach fit into the whole thing? Would you go out walking your dog if someone had just attacked you? Why did Natasha throw a cheesecake in a smarthy wannabe beau's face? What is the cheesecake queen's role in all this? All these questions and more are answered in this intricate path t0 the solution of the murder. Grab a piece of cheesecake, some tea, and settle in for an enjoyable ride.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to visit Sophie and friends. My Daisy dog was happy to come along for the ride and meet Sophie's Daisy, too. 

I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, by Martin Short

 "....in a fleeting moment."

Ironic that my big take-away from this likeable, funny book, published in 2014, is the humanity behind the public face. I came away with a new liking -- his characters have been hit or miss with me -- and respect for Martin Short. So much of what he said resonates loudly with his current visibility and popularity in the hit comedy-mystery "Only Murders in the Building" on Hulu. I "read" the audio version, btw, read by Short himself, which I highly recommend.

It's sometimes difficult to wrap our minds around the fact that they seemingly always funny, smiling man we see on television and in the movies or, if you're lucky on a Broadway stage, hasn't had an easy, smooth life. Short lost a brother and both parents by the time he was twenty. His wife of 30+ years died of Ovarian Cancer, ironically the disease that took the life of a former girlfriend, Gilda Radner.

Yet, even now that I know the back story of Short's life, it's hard to envision him as anything but smiling and loving life. As he writes, bad things happen but the sun does come up the next morning. He feels the mark of a man isn't just how he handles it all but what he learns from the experience. He's still smiling, remembering a good life, and surrounded by a circle of friends that would make almost anyone's A-list, including the likes of Steve Martin, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, not to mention one of his house guests at one point was the late Robin Williams. Steve Martin wrote a special song, "The Great Remember", for banjo in tribute to Nancy, Short's wife, after her death. I could go on and on but, well, think of your dream guest list and they are probably friends of Martin Short. That tells you something, the man is genuinely likeable.

I won't detail the whole list but Short lists the nine categories that have been essential to him. The key seems to be keeping a balance and getting your priorities straight. For him, yes, that included his show biz career but his family and friends were the ultimate concern. As he notes, all the little perks and rewards we get are nice but the important thing is really whether you're enjoying life and helping make the world a better place. A good philosophy for us all, I'd say.

Given the success and popularity of the Steve Martin created "Only Murders in the Building", I couldn't help but zero in on some performance/life traits that Martin Short brings to the character he plays. I also noted that he has a son who shares the name Oliver, Short's show name. The character is a bit of an oddball, aren't we all, but as Short notes in the book, written well before the show was created, oddball characters are often sweet, empathetic, and agreeable. It's the innocence in a character that strikes actor Short. While he definitely ascribes to the theory that, yeah, more can be fun, he also tries not to telegraph or oversell the character. Just as with his general life philosophy, he strives for that balance. As he notes in the book, any performance has in it the chance for danger, fun, and even anarchy.

The end of the book, while dealing with the lose of his wife to cancer, somehow manages to also strike that often precarious balance. It circles back to the death of his mother, who kept the seriousness of the disease from him as long as possible, thus illustrating his seeming need to somehow protect Nancy from the truth of her diagnosis as long as possible. His reaction and that of their children is enough to bring tears to the eyes. At the time, he tells Steve Martin that he is shattered. That said, the optimistic side of him seems to have won out, with not just imagined chats with her on the deck of their snug getaway but in the way his friends circle about him. As he recalls, it's a quote from his late brother that seems to bring peace: "I'll see you in a fleeting moment."

Funny, sad, and with lots of name dropping, this book should be a must for fans of both Short's past and present work. It'll make you look at him with new eyes.

A Half-Baked Alibi (A Cook-Off Mystery#6), by Devon Delaney

Despite not being a fan of cooking shows or contests and being new to this series, I enjoyed "A Half-Baked Alibi". Author Devon Delaney does an excellent job of showing how high-profile cooking contests work, events she seems to have first hand knowledge of, including the goings on behind the scenes. I have to admit, too, to not guessing who did it until the final reveal. In my defense, the murderer's name was one of those that lead my suspect list at one point or the other but since that list changed regularly, I can't claim any extra-ordinary sleuthing ability. Delaney keeps you guessing. 

Sherry Oliveri is a likeable character, as are her friends and family. She is a frequent winner of cooking contests but is sidelined with an injury this go-round although she assists.We get to meet the likely suspects and see the basic set-up of the contest, including some memories shared of how things can go wrong. Hmm, wonder how many of these author Delaney has first-hand experience with? In any case, while doing her assistant duties, Sherry is on hand when a body is discovered. Even worse, one of her dearest friends is a suspect, a friend obviously keeping some secrets. 

If you are a fan of cooking shows or contests, this is definitely the book for you. Even this non-fan came away with a new respect for how stressful the evens must be and the pressure on contestants to not just cook but perform for the judges. There's a few episodes on boyfriend Don's boat, too, which gives insight into how much goes into preparing a boat to carry passengers safely. Oliveri blends it all together nicely in an easy read and, oh, goodie, includes some yummy sounding recipes at the end. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for inviting me to watch the cook-off, not to mention have a few rides on Don's boat.

Murder at Primrose Cottage (Flora Steele Mystery #3,) by Merryn Allingham

"The mystery had grown too intriguing to be given up to the police."

That thought from main character Flora Steele could probably describe how many amateur sleuths feel, not just regarding the police but often about those who would also protect them. In this case, Flora, whose imagination is vivid -- I agree with Jack, she should be writing a novel -- also has a tendency to keep things from Jack and venture out alone into potentially dangerous situations, even after being warned away by the area witch. Oddly enough, though I wanted to sit Flora down and have a chat with her about common sense, I liked Flora and was immediately drawn into the story.

The plot has two main story lines, past and present, which seem to weave in and out of each other as the story progresses. Do remember, however, that police procedures and expectations were obviously much more lax in 1956, which is when the story takes place, than they are now. Let's just say, at one point I found myself wanting to yell at Flora and Jack not to disturb a crime scene as they merrily wandered about, forcing open a gate they were then sure the murderer must have used, possibly trampling the murderer's tracks, and later failing to report a break-in in a timely fashion. Yes, things have changed.

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am already looking forward to the next. If you like engaging mysteries, especially ones that take place in England, and have an interest in the history of the world wars, you will find this book an intriguing read. There's even the hint of romance. Author Merryn Allingham also has a way with words. I hope to read more of them soon.

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me spend some time in the English countryside with Flora and Jack while they track down a murderer.

Death at the Abbey, by Jan Durham

A man is dead. Murdered. Main character Liz McLuckie finds the body. Why was the body wet with briny water, not to mention why was there a fish in his pocket? How did a drowned person wind up being found high above the nearest body of water? What was his connection to the other town citizens? What secrets lurk behind the closed doors of picturesque Whitby?  

I found the story line, the hook, if you will, intriguing. How does a missing religious relic play into the whole? Liz is beginning to feel open to people and new experiences five years after her husband's death, Although of retirement age, Liz is definitely energetic and even handy with tools. Her friend's personalities didn't seem fully characterized, normal in a first book in a series, but intriguing. Liz's constant companion, however, is Nelson, a brave, and protective bull terrier she adopted. Nelson was the star of the book as far as I was concerned but, well, I'm a sucker for dog characters anyway.

Bottom line, although I found it slow paced at first, once I caught on to the rhythm of the story line, I began to enjoy the book more and more. The pace definitely picks up as Liz begins to encounter more and more clues, which seems to irritate the local detective, DI Flint, putting herself in danger. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for introducing me to Liz and Nelson. I'm looking forward to spending some more time with them as I get to know Whitby.

Mining for Murder (A Happy Camper Mystery Book 3), by Mary Angela

"We don't learn from history by burying it."

On the surface, the plot sounds simple. A man is murdered and a valuable book is missing. Zo Jones is determined to find not just the murderer but the missing book. As she admits to herself, while the first objective is simply her desire for justice, the second is more selfish in nature. Zo is adopted and the historical book might help in her search for her birth mother. She finds a treasure map, seemingly cut from the missing book, a gold nugget, and later faces down a mountain lion.

What secrets are being hidden? What role does family play? Who killed Maynard Cline? Why? Why had he been so determined to buy the book at auction? Why did so many others desire the book? What does the name Merrigan found on a note card at the murder sign signify? Can Zo learn to genuinely trust anyone? Maybe more importantly, should she? Will Max ever manage to cook a romantic meal for Zo without burning it? How accurate are Jules' psychic powers? Will Jules regret allowing Duncan to move into the carriage house of her new home? Finally, what stunning news will Zo receive at the end of the book? No, not telling.. As someone who has worked off-and-on on my own family tree, I found the combination of Zo's quest to find answers to her blank family tree and her efforts to find a killer a fascinating read. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and am already looking forward to the next.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to visit Spirit Canyon and spend some more time with Zo and her friends, not to mention Max's dog Scout and Zo's cat George.

Citizen K-9, by David Rosenfelt

I am a huge fan of David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series and, as such, came into this audio book with certain expectations. I initially found the going slow, rare for me with Rosenfelt. Corey Douglas is no Andy Carpenter but he has his own style and sense of humor, however. It's more subtle perhaps than Andy Carpenter readers are accustomed to but as the story went along and I began to fall into the rhythm, it emerged more fully. Corey is also dedicated to not just his dog, retired canine officer Simon Garfunkel, but his lady and when a subtle threat to her is sent, he becomes even more focused, if that is possible. Oh, still cool and collected but laser focused on eliminating the threat to her, even if it rests on shaky legal grounds or costs him his life.

Let's just say, just like Andy, Corey has a talent for putting himself in dangerous spots. Of course, Laurie and Marcus have his back. Ex-police officer Laurie, as Andy's wife, can also call on his lawyer know-how as needed, even if Andy quips constantly where he should be sending his bill. As always, Marcus is a force onto himself and, heads up, we learn something new about Marcus in this episode. Shhh, don't tell Andy.

The plot is based on the K-Team being hired to investigate a cold crime of pretty much their own choosing. It's almost a no-brainer that they would opt for the one regarding the death of a high school classmate after a reunion that Laurie and Corey both attended. As Corey and the team follow the clues with an assist from Andy and his accountant, computer hacker wiz Sam, it becomes increasingly obvious that there is someone out there who doesn't want this crime to be solved. Who are they annoying? Well, besides the mob? What do drugs and gambling have to do with it? Could the male victim's job be related? Where are the vicitms?

Bottom line, if you come into "Citizen K-9" with an open mind and allow the rhythm to cast its spell, you're likely to enjoy it tremendously. And, oh, did I mention, that Andy's dogs make an appearance? I may have had no clue who did it until the big reveal but, quite frankly, didn't care. I just sit back, turned on the audio and let narrator Fred Berman lure me onto the roller coaster that, as always, is a David Rosenfelt book.

Thank you #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for inviting me to drop in on the doings in Patterson and hang out with the K-Team and visit Andy's dogs again. Kudos for Rosenfelt's continued involvement in the real life Tara Foundation, btw. 

Saddled Up 4 Murder, by J.C. Eaton

Fun. Good ol' fashioned fun. That's how I'd describe "Saddled Up 3 Murder" in short. Loved it and am still grinning as I remember some of the images the plot conjured up.

It's been a while since I last visited Phee and friends, not to mention her mother's tight circle of friends from the Sun City West retirement village. I immediately felt right at home but, no fear, new readers, as author Eaton does an excellent job showing us who each of these characters are as well as how the pieces all fit together. This is a fun read with lots of laughs, many even during some otherwise tense moments, go figure. I mean, even Phee's Roomba gets an action scene, so to speak, during the story. And what the heck, if anything, could the case of the stolen horses have to do with the murder?

I liked the characters, even the frequently over-the-top fretting ones of her mother's Booked 4 Murder book club. Or, are they over-reacting? I mean, one of them may have seen more than she realizes when a murder is committed. Could she be in genuine danger or have they all just watched to many murder mysteries. With boyfriend Marshall out of town on another case, Phee is on her own. She wants to help the ladies although, quite frankly, she admits that part of the reasoning is as much to keep her mother off her back as the desire for justice.

Phee and the ladies definitely need a hero to save the day and that hero comes from the most unexpected place. Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book to find out. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with more than a dash of humor, this one is for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for letting me spend some time with Phee.

The Museum, by Samuel J. Redman

Ironic, isn't it, that not long after finishing the book and taking a break on a social media site that almost the first post that popped up was one about a virtual tour of Auschwitz being offered by the Holocaust Education Center. In addition, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum posts regularly on social media, informing and, among other things, sharing photos of those whose lives were lost of changed forever by the Nazis. Far from being hidden away behind closed doors that often require an admission fee to enter, museums are visible and serving a variety of purposes today. Redman's book is a look at how they got to this point. How they have preserved and, yes, improved history.

Whether your small, local museum dedicated perhaps to local concerns or the vast Smithsonian or Louvre, all have had to adapt and learn not just from past events but current ones. It's a cliche but change is inevitable but museums have had to change frequently. Financial problems seem chronic, as do cutbacks in staff and acquisitions. Fire and natural disasters have destroyed and threatened priceless exhibits. Yet, museums persist. Whereas Redman details historical events and their impact on museums, one of the ideas was that the idea of a museums, in whatever format, is that they are durable. Wars and events such as, yes, pandemics, as well as changing attitudes and cultures have also played a role.

Quite frankly, even as a former history major, I also had no idea of the role many museums and their staffs played during the wars. For instance, they contributed not just their knowledge but linguistic skills. They shared how to preserve things, make them last. Yet, they haven't just preserved history and artifacts but shared them with the world at large. The goal of most seems to not just exist but to make a definite contribution to the community and world about them.

Bottom line, Redman does a commendable job presenting not just the history of the museum as an idea but his take on where the museum needs to go in the future. As a former history major and teacher, I was fascinated to discover how involved in the world events about them museums were, whether responding to the Great Depression and world wars to dealing with changing times and needs. That I can so readily encounter museum funded virtual videos on not just the Holocaust but almost any event that has taken place shows how quick man is to preserve. Museums serve a valuable purpose. Yes, the idea of the museum is durable.

Thank you #NetGalley and #NYUPress for the advance copy. I learned a great deal.

The Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Golden Girls: An Unofficial Guide, by Marissa DeAngelis

This book was written with love. Not just a love of the show but the love of friends and friends who are family. Marissa DeAngelis' depth of information here is impressive and offered up in an easy-to-read fashion, almost as if she is simply having a conversation with you. It was as the book notes early on, a show where "exceptional writing and acting meet". Not only does DeAngelis offer up a recap of each episode, including guest stars, but offers her own opinions on why it resonated with not just here but probably other viewers. I should also note that despite the obvious love of the show and its characters, she doesn't hesitate to point out inconsistencies or story lines that simply didn't work for her.

And, come on. Admit it. Which Golden Girl are you? There is actually a quiz included to help you decide. Yes, I took it. I came off as a Rose but with leanings toward Dorothy, I guess I'd characterize it. Also probably fairly accurate. There are also bios of each of the actresses, lists of toys and games connected to the show, and even suggestions on how to throw the perfect watch party, remembering that the point is "to laugh and enjoy your friends". There's more, including a music play list for your part or simply entertainment. All this before it even got into the episode guide. As I said, the author has done a thorough job of research, oh, the horrors of having to indulge in watching every episode.....I'm jealous..... and packed "The Binge Watcher's Guide to The Golden Girls" with all sorts of data, fun facts, recaps, and glimpses behind the scenes. This one is a winner. I should also note, perhaps, that it was surely edited at the very least after Betty White's death, so it is quite up to date.

Thank you #NetGalley and #RiverdaleAvenueBooks for giving me the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the best friends a person could ask for. It was a joy. 

Double Shot Death (A Ground Rules Mystery #2), by Emmeline Duncan

As neither a coffee fan nor anything even close to a hipster type, you'd think I wouldn't have liked this book. But, you'd be wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Portland area with Sage and friends, rather wishing there were a music festival going on to get my music fix right now. I enjoyed getting to know not just the characters -- I haven't read the first book in the series yet -- as well as getting a behind the scenes look at the various issues and demands of putting on even a three day music festival, not to mention the stress of dealing with the egos involved. Even for this non-coffee fan, it was also interesting to see the steps involved in preparing the coffee cart and adjustments made to fulfill environmental issues. Oh, and there was a cat.

The mystery revolved around Sage's discovery of a body at the festival prior to its public opening and her interest in finding out who killed Ian. As the one who discovered the body, although she'd only met him the day before, he did die with one of her shop's mugs in his hand, making her at least a suspect. She does seem to have the knack of getting people to talk and/or being in the right place at the right time to overhear pertinent conversations. I got the impression that the desire to uncover the truth was as much because of the innate need to see justice done that had been ingrained in her as the daughter of a police officer or just curiosity but her need to know was strong. There's also a confidence about there that makes her largely ignore her father and lawyer brother's advice to have her brother with her as her lawyer when she talks to the police. She is quick thinking and smart, however, and seems to largely depend on her own wits.

While I wasn't really interested in all the chatter in the book about this and that coffee blend or bean, I was impressed that the author included some delicious sounding recipes for tea lovers like me at the end. I will definitely be looking for a copy of the first in this series to read and am looking forward to following Sage and the others, who are interesting in their own right, in the future. Thank you, #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to the music festival!

Hippie Wagon Homicide, by Mildred Abbott

 

While I wasn't as immediately taken by this book as a previous series, it shows promise. Interesting characters with equally interesting back stories and experiences, plus an intriguing cast of characters. It took me a bit to find the rhythm of the book but once I did, I was intrigued. The Twister Sisters' business, hippie wagons, generosity and friendship all blend together and make them who they are and as I got to know them better, I found myself nodding with approval at the new series. True, I somehow expected a corgi to make an appearance but the resident dog we've met sounds like a winner, too. The illustrations were an added touch, giving life to the people within. There's even romance brewing. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

Alaska Dreams, by Jennifer Snow

I love Gus in "Alaska Dreams'. He seems to operate from the heart and even though he doesn't always make the wisest decisions, he means well. He's willing to sacrifice for those he loves, even if it means losing his dream job. When rom-com star Selena shows up at his family's campsite to film a movie, however, he's still wallowing from his very public outburst over his recent breakup and thinks she's a bit of a spoiled movie star. Yet, he's willing to help her out when she agrees to call in a favor for him. This is, after all, her chance to prove she can do something besides rom-com movies. The rest of the story, with the expected highs and lows of most romance novels, flows from there. The fact Gus, a sports caster, seems to be an instinctively talented actor doesn't hurt.

I don't specifically remember reading any of the previous books in this series but didn't matter as past characters blended into Gus and Selena's story smoothly. To be honest, I was hoping for more of a look at Alaska or at least the dogs as the story progressed but that was a minor, probably personal quibble as I live in Alaska and am owned by a dog. For those who care, I should mention that there are some steamy sex scenes. There's also a great deal of humor and character growth, not to mention you'll learn a bit about movie-making, both the process of shooting and the post=shoot production aspect.

Bottom line, this was a fun read. I liked the characters, not just Gus and Selena but those surrounding the story, and Gus' grand gestures, right or wrong, added an element of surprise. Heck, we even got a peek at what the Alaska Coast Guard does in an emergency, which was a tense, serious moment in the plot. I'm definitely going to be looking for the rest of this series by Jennifer Snow.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Harlequin for allowing me to visit Wild River and meet Gus and Selena, not to mention their friends

A Margin for Murder (Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #8), by Lauren Elliott

On the surface, the plot sounds simple and direct. Bookshop owner Addie and co-worker/friend Paige travel to Pen Hollow to see what she can find to buy at a library that is closing down. Then it starts to get complicated as she winds up buying a bookmobile, too. The person in charge of delivering it to her, in front of television cameras, no less, is murdered. Then it gets really complicated. Despite the fact Addie and Paige had met the woman for only the first time only an hour or so before her death, they are singled out as the main suspects. And, oh, yeah, she runs into an old boyfriend who just happens to be a best-selling author nowadays. 

 While I found it a bit of a stretch to believe that any police officer with years of experience would pinpoint Addie and Paige as suspects based on the fact they were from out-of-town, it does set up an interesting story with lots of twists and side-stories. Let's just say it's a good thing that ol' friend now has an accomplished lawyer on speed dial. Ironically, it's Addie's boyfriend Simon who, as coroner, pinpoints the cause of death, pulling him into the area to meet the former boyfriend, Tony. Valuable first-edition and rare books are missing and although Addie saw them in the bookmobile prior to purchase, they are nowhere to be found. Who put them in the bookmobile, which the local police insist was searched diligently? Where did they come from? Where did they go? What is Tony's connection to all this? 

While all of this drama is going on, of course life in Greyborne Harbor goes on. Addie's pregnant friend nears her delivery date and seems in a panic. What is going on with Simon? Who is taking care of Paige's child while she is being detained in Pen Hollow? Why can't Addie vocalize the words "I love You"? Why do the clues seem to keep leading to dead ends? Who killed the woman it turns out almost no one in Pen Hollow liked? 

All these questions and more..... and, no, I'm not telling. You'll have to read the book. Finding out not just who the murderer is but why her pregnant friend's dash to the hospital seems to have turned into an emergency, whether Addie's dog has created another heart open to a rescue pup, and if that darn bookmobile will ever make it to Greyborne Harbor intact is part of the fun. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for letting me evesdrop on Addie's world for a time.